Justification

In today’s writing, Michael Wells takes us back to “self-justification” and gives us some startling truths that very few have taken the time to see the hole they are digging for themselves!  Or, perhaps have never known these truths.  WOW!  This is some priceless information to know and use for everyday life. 

Because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight---

Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus 

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. --Romans 3:20, 24, and 28

I have heard some wonderful arguments concerning justification of self. Any number of times I have sat listening to eloquent reasoning, and after the person has made his case, he or she asks something like, “Would you put up with that? Can you see how it makes me feel? No one deserves to be treated this way, and what about the children? Should they have to put up with it?” 

Everyone has some form of self-justification, and often people make some very good and strong arguments that would, in fact, justify their actions if they were living under the law. Therein lies the downside. Judging and justifying indicates a willingness to have God judge and justify. Who is that heady? I do not want to be justified; I want to live under grace. I want Christ’s life in me to take the initiative to love and to bless in my daily interactions. I want His grace toward me. I want life. Observe the one justifying himself; is there a lift in his spirit? Do you want to be like that person? Does he exude life? We are not suited for self-justification; it depletes us, empties us, and leaves us under the law.No, thanks!

The truth sets us free, God tells us.  There is some dynamic truth in today’s writing.  Doesn’t the first paragraph just make us stop and think about how easy it is to go into a diatribe that sounds so familiar to his example…all the while not realizing how much we are moving to “self-justification” and opening ourselves to God judging and justifying us…and bringing on a “drop in our spirit.”  Goodness.  I want to be like Michael: “I do not want to be justified; I want to live under grace.”

And it is very important how Michael takes us to know and desire “Christ’s life in me to take the initiative to love and bless in my daily interactions.  I want His grace toward me.  I want life.”  Once we experience a great moment of His Life living through us…we will not want anything else!

Good-by Law!  Hello Grace!